Legislation caps rent for fixed-income tenants with HIV/AIDS at 30 percent of income

January 13, 2010

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo (D-Bronx) voted in support of legislation w that protects thousands of tenants living with HIV/AIDS by ensuring affordable housing for those on fixed incomes. Under the legislation (A.2565), low-income persons living with clinical or symptomatic HIV illness or AIDS receiving Shelter Assistance or Emergency Shelter Allowance would not pay more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.

"H.A.S.A. clients in independent living are the only population eligible for enhanced rental assistance in NYC that do not have an affordable housing protection: tenants in other programs like public housing, Section 8, or supportive housing pay no more than 30% of their incomes towards their rent. H.A.S.A. clients deserve the same income protection so that they can afford to pay for food, medications, and other necessities," said Assemblyman Crespo.

“Especially during these difficult economic times, we must protect our most vulnerable citizens. This legislation will ensure that New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS can remain in their homes and continue to afford the cost of doctor visits, medicines, food and basic necessities. We cannot allow these citizens to be forced out of affordable housing and into emergency housing where their health would be at risk,” said Silver (D-Manhattan).

A 30 percent-rent cap is already in place for those living under the Section 8 program, public housing or supportive housing. The legislation would affect HIV/AIDS tenants in affordable housing statewide, and will benefit approximately 11,000 residents of New York City alone.